Faucet including a wireless control module

ABSTRACT

An electronic faucet including a wireless module facilitating remote control of an electrically operable valve. Illustratively, the wireless module includes a body defining a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the electrically operable valve, and a receiver configured to receive wireless signals from a remote transmitter. The remote transmitter may comprise a voice recognition and conversion device to facilitate voice control of the electrically operable valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a 371 U.S. National Phase of PCTInternational Application No. PCT/US2018/062258, filed Nov. 21, 2018,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/589,540, filed Nov. 21, 2017, the disclosures of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a fluid delivery apparatusand, more particularly, to a faucet including a wireless control modulefacilitating voice controlled operation of an electrically operablevalve.

Electronic faucets typically include an electrically operable valvecoupled to an electronic controller for controlling fluid flow through awater outlet. Some electronic faucets include proximity sensors, such asactive infrared (“IR”) proximity detectors or capacitive proximitysensors to control operation of the electrically operable valve. Suchproximity sensors may be used to detect a user's hands positioned nearthe faucet and to automatically start fluid flow through the faucet inresponse to detection of the user's hands. Other electronic faucets mayuse touch sensors, such as capacitive touch sensors, to control thefaucet. An illustrative electronic faucet is detailed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2016/0362877 to Thomas et al., thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Electronic faucets that may be controlled by voice commands are known inthe art. Such voice controlled faucets may include a microphone toreceive audible input for controlling operation of an electricallyoperable valve.

The present disclosure relates to a modular accessory that may be addedto an existing electronic faucet to allow wireless control of thefaucet. The inputs for such wireless control may originate from avariety of devices including, for example, voice recognition andconversion devices, dedicated remote user interfaces, and/orsmartphones.

The illustrative wireless control module of the present disclosure addsfunctionality to an existing electronic faucet, such as hands-freeoperation and programmatic control of water flow (a handwashing mode forexample, where water flow is timed). The wireless control module mayalso contain sensors to measure water parameters such as watertemperature and/or flow rate. Use of these sensors allows for addedfunctionality, such as purging cold water from a hot water line (warmup), dispensing a prescribed amount of water, and/or monitoring waterusage.

Because the illustrative wireless control module is a releasably coupledaccessory and not integrated into the electronic faucet, it may be addedby only those consumers who desire the added functionality withoutincluding unnecessary complexities and burdening the base cost of theelectronic faucet.

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, anelectronic faucet includes a spout, a fluid supply conduit supported bythe spout, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes anelectrically operable valve positioned to control fluid flow through thefluid supply conduit. A valve controller is operative to control theelectrically operable valve. A wireless control module is incommunication with the valve controller. The wireless control moduleincludes a transceiver configured to send and/or receive wirelesssignals from a remote transmitter and communicate with the valvecontroller to control operation of the electrically operable valve.

According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,a wireless control module for an electronic faucet includes a bodydefining a fluid passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet, areceiver configured to receive wireless signals from a remotetransmitter, and a wireless controller operably coupled to the receiver.A cable is coupled to the receiver, and is in communication with a valvecontroller to control operation of an electrically operable valve. Areleasable coupler is configured to couple the inlet of the fluidpassageway to an outlet of the electrically operable valve.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdetailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying thebest mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to theaccompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary electronic faucet ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary controller andwireless control module of the electronic faucet of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve assembly and a wireless controlmodule of the illustrative electronic faucet of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the valve assembly and the wirelesscontrol module of FIG. 3 , with the valve assembly shown partiallyexploded;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the illustrative wireless control moduleof FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative wirelesscontrol module of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the printed circuit board of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of internet communication withthe wireless control module of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of illustrative internetprotocols for use with the wireless control module of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a state diagram illustrating exemplary operation of theelectronic faucet of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodimentsdisclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments arechosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize theirteachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimedinvention is thereby intended. The present invention includes anyalterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices anddescribed methods and further applications of principles in theinvention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a block diagram of an electronic faucet10 is shown according to some illustrative embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Electronic faucet 10 includes a spout 12 supporting apassageway or waterway (e.g., a fluid conduit) for delivering fluidssuch as water, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, thepassageway of spout 12 includes fluid passages between hot and coldwater sources 16, 18 and a water outlet 19 of spout 12. See, forexample, passages 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, 28 d, 28 e of FIG. 1 . Electronicfaucet 10 illustratively includes an electrically operable valve, suchas a solenoid valve 22, in fluid communication with hot and cold watersources 16, 18. Solenoid valve 22 is illustratively controlledelectronically by a valve controller 24. It should be noted that thecontroller 24 may be integral with, or separate from, the solenoid valve22.

In the illustrated embodiment, valve controller 24 is configured to openand close solenoid valve 22 to turn on and off the fluid flow to outlet19 of spout 12. In another illustrative embodiment, valve controller 24is further configured to proportionally control valve 22 to adjust theflow rate and/or temperature of the fluid flowing through spout 12 tooutlet 19. In an illustrative embodiment described herein, solenoidvalve 22 includes a pilot operated solenoid valve, although anothersuitable electrically operable or actuator driven valve may be provided,such as an electronically proportional valve (EPV).

In the illustrated embodiment, valve controller 24 controls solenoidvalve 22 based on output from at least one activation sensor, such as aproximity sensor and/or a touch sensor, for example, to turn on and offfluid flow through spout 12. In an illustrative embodiment, theactivation sensor comprises a capacitive sensor 26 in communication withvalve controller 24 for providing signals to valve controller 24indicating the detection of an object (e.g. a user's hands) on or nearspout 12. Other suitable activation sensors may be provided fordetecting an object near faucet 10. As illustrated, an electrode 25 ofcapacitive sensor 26 is coupled to spout 12 (or is part of spout 12) todetect the object contacting spout 12. Electrode 25 may be positioned inother suitable areas of faucet 10 for detecting the presence of a user'shands.

In the illustrative embodiment, capacitive sensor 26 and electrode 25are used for at least one of a touch mode and a hands-free mode ofoperation. In the hands free mode of operation, capacitive sensor 26 andvalve controller 24 detect a user's hands or other object within adetection area or zone near spout 12. In one embodiment, the detectionarea includes the water stream and the area in the sink basinimmediately surrounding the water stream. The detection area may beexpanded to other areas depending on the location and sensitivity ofcapacitive sensor 26. In the touch mode of operation, capacitive sensor26 and valve controller 24 detect a user's hands or other object uponcontact with a surface of spout 12. To turn on the electronic faucet 10in either mode, solenoid valve 22 is activated by valve controller 24upon detecting the object (e.g., user's hands) to toggle water flow onand off.

In some illustrative embodiments, by sensing capacitance changes withcapacitive sensor 26, valve controller 24 is configured to make logicaldecisions to control different modes of operation of faucet 10 such aschanging between a manual mode of operation and a hands free mode ofoperation as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,023; U.S. Pat. No.7,690,395; U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,293; U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,301; and PCTInternational Patent Application Publication Nos. WO 2008/094651 and WO2009/075858, the disclosures of which are all expressly incorporatedherein by reference.

In one illustrative embodiment, manual adjustment of the watertemperature and flow rate may be provided after opening the solenoidvalve 22 by manipulating a manual valve handle 14. The handle 14 may besupported by a hub 15 supporting the spout 12. More particularly, hub 15is illustratively positioned intermediate the spout 12 and a mountingdeck 17 (e.g., a sink deck). In particular, manual valve handle 14 maybe used to manipulate a manual valve assembly 20 positioned in thepassageway of spout 12 to adjust the temperature and/or flow of fluidfrom the hot and cold water sources 16, 18 to solenoid valve 22. Aseparate manual valve handle 14 and associated manual valve assembly 20may be provided for each of the hot and cold water sources 16 and 18.Alternatively, electronic faucet 10 is a fully automatic faucet withoutany manual controls (i.e., no manual valve assembly 20). An illustrativemanual valve assembly 20 is detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,074, thedisclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

In an illustrative embodiment, valve controller 24 may further controlvalve assembly 20 electronically. In particular, valve assembly 20 mayinclude an electronic proportioning or mixing valve that is adjusted byvalve controller 24 to control the mixture of hot and cold water andthus the temperature of the water flowing through spout 12 to outlet 19.Such an electronic mixing valve 20 may be in addition to, or replace,the solenoid valve 22. Additionally, such electronic mixing valve 20(with or without solenoid valve 22) may be replaced by separate hot andcold water proportional valves.

Exemplary electronically controlled mixing valves are described in U.S.Pat. No. 7,458,520 and PCT International Patent Application PublicationNo. WO 2007/082301, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporatedby reference herein. The amount of fluid flowing from hot water source16 and cold water source 18 may be controlled by valve controller 24based on one or more user inputs, such as desired fluid temperature,desired fluid flow rate, desired fluid volume, various task basedinputs, various recognized presentments, and/or combinations thereof.For example, faucet 10 may include a temperature sensor (e.g.,temperature sensor 54 described herein) in fluid communication with theoutput of the proportioning valve to provide feedback to valvecontroller 24 for use in controlling the water temperature. In oneembodiment, valve controller 24 controls the proportional valve via theauxiliary port 56 (FIG. 2 ) described herein.

In one illustrative embodiment, faucet 10 includes one or moreindicators 29 controlled by valve controller 24 to provide a visual oraudio indication of the operational mode (e.g., hands free and/or touchmode) and/or water temperature of the electronic faucet 10. An exemplaryindicator 29 includes a light-emitting diode (LED) or other light sourceor audible device positioned near faucet 10. Other exemplary indicators29 include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a magnetically latchingmechanical indicator. In one embodiment, indicators 29 are operative toindicate operating mode and/or the temperature of the water flowingthrough faucet 10 based on the selective illumination of differentcolored LED's or a single multi-colored LED.

In the illustrated embodiment, valve controller 24 may be incommunication with a remote device in addition to electronic faucet 10,illustratively an auxiliary device 30. The exemplary auxiliary device 30may include, for example, another faucet spout 30 a (FIG. 2 ), a soapdispenser, a beverage dispenser, or another suitable dispensing device.The auxiliary device 30 may also comprise any of a garbage disposal, adishwasher, an instant hot device, a remote switch (e.g., a footswitch), or other device associated with or in proximity to a plumbingdevice. As further detailed herein, the auxiliary device 30 b (FIG. 2 )may comprise a wireless communication device (e.g., a wireless controlmodule). Auxiliary device 30 may be positioned adjacent the same sinkbasin as spout 12. Alternatively, auxiliary device 30 may be positionedto dispense into a different sink basin, such as another sink basin in abathroom or kitchen or in another room, for example.

As described in detail herein, valve controller 24 illustrativelyincludes an auxiliary port 56 (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ) for remotelycontrolling and/or powering the auxiliary device 30 via an electroniccable 55 (FIG. 3 ). The electronic cable 55 may be of conventionaldesign and, illustratively, comprises a serial cable including opposingfirst and second end connectors 57 a and 57 b, and providing forbidirectional communication, as further detailed herein. More than oneauxiliary device 30 a, 30 b, etc. may be coupled to different auxiliaryports 56 by multiple electronic cables 55 a, 55 b. While theillustrative auxiliary device 30 may be fully controlled by valvecontroller 24, the device 30 may also include a separate controller(e.g., microprocessor) for operating itself, while receiving powerand/or communication signals from the controller 24.

Referring further to FIG. 2 , a block diagram of exemplary valvecontroller 24 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. Valve controller 24illustratively includes a printed circuit board 40 and multiple circuitcomponents mounted to the printed circuit board 40. Illustratively, aprocessor 42, a flow sensor 52, a temperature sensor 54, auxiliaryport(s) 56, and a light connector 58 are coupled to circuit board 40. Aconnection header 46 is illustratively coupled to circuit board 40 forcoupling a power line from an external power source 21. In oneillustrative embodiment, power source 21 is a battery power supply orother direct current (DC) power supply connected at header 46. Internalor external memory 44 of processor 42 may include software and/orfirmware containing instructions executed by processor 42 forcontrolling solenoid valve 22, other components of faucet 10, and otherdevices (e.g., auxiliary devices 30). Processor 42 illustrativelycontrols solenoid valve 22 based on output from capacitive sensor 26,flow sensor 52, and/or temperature sensor 54.

Light connector 58 is configured to route electrical current to lightdevices 59, such as LED's for example, to illuminate light devices 59.In one illustrative embodiment, light devices 59 are different colors,and processor 42 selectively controls light devices 59 to illuminatedifferent colors based on the operating mode of the faucet 10 and/or thetemperature of the water flowing through faucet 10. An exemplary lightconnector 58 includes an audio jack connector. In one embodiment,indicators 29 of FIG. 1 include the light devices 59 of FIG. 2 . In theexemplary embodiment, valve controller 24 also includes a powerconnector 48 for coupling valve controller 24 to a wall outlet or otherbuilding power supply to power valve controller 24. Power connector 48illustratively includes a rectifier to convert alternating current (AC)power to DC power levels suitable for valve controller 24.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 , an exemplary solenoid valve assembly 50,including solenoid valve 22, is illustrated in fluid and electricalcommunication with a wireless control module 200. Fluid enters a valvehousing 70 (FIG. 4 ) of solenoid valve assembly 50 via fluid conduit 28c and exits valve housing 70 via fluid conduit 28 d, then throughwireless control module 200 and to spout 12 via fluid conduit 28 e (FIG.1 ). Fluid conduits 28 d and 28 e may include seals 31 (FIG. 3 )providing a sealing connection to a mating component of the fluidconduit 28 e and the fluid conduit of spout 12, respectively. Swingconnectors or couplers 71 a and 71 b are illustratively pivotallysupported for coupling together fluid conduit 28 c with an inlet tube 73from the manual valve assembly 20, and for coupling together fluidconduit 28 d with a main body 202 of wireless control module 200.

Solenoid valve assembly 50 illustratively includes an outer housing 60for enclosing and protecting valve controller 24 and solenoid valve 22positioned within housing 60. Outer housing 60 is configured to slideover the top of valve housing 70 (FIG. 4 ) and mount to a base 61 ofassembly 50. Clips 72 on opposite ends of base 61 are configured toengage outer housing 60, although other suitable fasteners may be usedto couple outer housing 60 to base 61. Outer housing 60 includes anopening 62 for receiving fluid conduit 28 d. Outer housing 60 furtherincludes an opening 64 that provides access to auxiliary port 56, anopening 66 that provides access to DC power connector 48, and an opening68 that provides access to light connector 58.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , valve controller 24 is mounted to valvehousing 70 of assembly 50. A power cable 74 routes power from powersource 21 to valve controller 24 for powering the electronic componentsof valve controller 24. Power cable 74 includes electrical wires routedbetween a connector end 76 configured to couple to header 46 (FIG. 5 )of valve controller 24 and an opposite connector end 78 configured tocouple to power source 21. Additional cable wires 75 may be provided toroute sensor signals, such as from capacitive sensor 26, to valvecontroller 24. In an illustrative capacitive sensing embodiment, acontact clip 79 may be electrically coupled to a mounting shank of spout12.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , a solenoid coil 80 of solenoid valve 22includes coil wire 82 wound around a bobbin 84. In the illustratedembodiment, solenoid coil 80 is mounted directly to circuit board 40. AU-shaped metal bracket 90 is sized to fit over solenoid coil 80. Metalbracket 90 serves as a component for routing magnetic flux generatedwith solenoid coil 80. In particular, when solenoid coil 80 is energizedby controller 24, bracket 90 provides a flow path for the generatedmagnetic flux. Additional details on the solenoid valve 22 are providedin U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0362877 to Thomas etal., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein byreference.

Referring further to the FIG. 4 , processor 42, header 46, temperaturesensor 54, port 56, DC connector 48, and light connector 58 areillustratively mounted to printed circuit board 40. Port 56, DCconnector 48, and light connector 58 are illustratively mounted at anedge of circuit board 40 to align with openings 64, 66, 68 of outerhousing 60. Circuit board 40 includes other suitable electronics forcontrolling solenoid valve 22. Header 46 illustratively includeselectrical pins configured to receive connector end 76 of power cable74.

Auxiliary port 56 is configured to receive a connector cable 55 routedto auxiliary device 30 (FIG. 2 ) that may be in communication with andpowered by valve controller 24. Illustratively, the auxiliary device 30a may comprise the wireless control module 200. Connector cable 55includes first end connector 57 a that is releasably coupled toauxiliary port(s) 56. As such, a plug-and-play configuration is providedwith auxiliary port(s) 56 that facilitates quick coupling and decouplingof secondary devices (e.g., auxiliary device 30) that are controllablewith valve controller 24 of faucet 10. In one illustrative embodiment,more than one auxiliary device 30 is coupled to auxiliary port 56 andcontrolled by valve controller 24.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the control and power managementsoftware/firmware and control switches of valve controller 24 areillustratively used to control the operation of auxiliary device(s) 30.Auxiliary device 30 may include, for example, a soap dispenser, anotherfaucet, a beverage dispenser, a filtered water dispenser, a hot waterdispenser, or another suitable dispensing device. As illustrated in FIG.2 , auxiliary dispensing device 30 a may include a spout 38 thatsupports a fluid supply conduit. Dispensing device 30 a illustrativelyincludes electronics 32 in communication with valve controller 24including an electrically operable valve 34, such as a solenoid valve orelectronically proportional valve (EPV), positioned in the fluid supplyconduit for controlling fluid flow through spout 38. Electronics 32 arereleasably coupled to auxiliary port 56 via the quick-coupling connectorcable 55 a routed between the faucet 10 and device 30 a. In oneembodiment, fluid flow through the auxiliary device 30 a is controlledby processor 42 based on serial communication received from auxiliarydevice 30 (e.g., from a sensor 36) via port 56, similar to thecapacitive-based controls of faucet 10. As further detailed herein, theauxiliary device 30 a may also include a separate controller (not shown)in communication with valve 34 and/or sensor 36 to control operationthereof.

Valve controller 24 illustratively routes power received from powersource 21 (FIG. 2 ) or DC connector 48 to electronics 32 of auxiliarydevice 30 via port 56 to power device 30. As such, in one illustrativeembodiment, both faucet 10 and the auxiliary device 30 operate off thesame power source as managed by valve controller 24. Valve controller 24is operative to receive inputs from auxiliary device 30, process theinputs, and output electrical signals for controlling the electronics 32(e.g., solenoid, motor, lights, etc.) of device 30 based on the receivedinputs. In one embodiment, auxiliary device 30 includes at least oneproximity sensor 36, such as a capacitive sensor or infrared sensor,operative to detect a user's hands on or near device 30, as similarlydescribed herein with respect to capacitive sensor 26 of electronicfaucet 10. Alternatively, auxiliary device 30 may include a switchdevice configured to instruct valve controller 24 to activate the device30 upon actuation of the switch device by the user. Valve controller 24may control fluid flow (e.g., water, soap, beverage, etc.) throughauxiliary device 30 based on the received signals from the proximitysensor 36 or the switch device. Valve controller 24 is also operative topower display lights, such as LED's, on auxiliary device 30corresponding to the various operational modes or states of device 30.

Accordingly, auxiliary device 30 may include a passive or dumbelectrical interface with limited or no active controls wherein theelectronics 32 of the interface are controlled remotely by valvecontroller 24 of faucet 10 via auxiliary port 56. In one illustrativeembodiment, the circuitry of auxiliary device 30 includes the necessarycircuitry for connecting the device 30 to valve controller 24, fordetecting and sending an activation request to valve controller 24, andfor actuating the fluid valve based on controls from valve controller24. In other illustrative embodiments, the auxiliary device 30 mayinclude a controller (e.g., a microprocessor) for operating itself,wherein the auxiliary device 30 only receives power and/or communicationfrom the controller 24.

In one illustrative example, auxiliary port 56 includes a multi-pin(e.g., 8 pin) registered jack (RJ) receptacle, although any suitableelectrical connector may be used for port 56. In one illustrativeembodiment, the multiple pin connections of auxiliary port 56 include aswitched power supply connected to battery voltage (e.g., power source21) for powering electronics of auxiliary device 30, a ground line, aserial data transmit line, a serial data receive line, an interruptline, a 3.3 volt power line, and a reset line.

Temperature sensor 54 may be mounted (e.g., soldered) directly tocircuit board 40. As such, sensor 54 is illustratively positionedoutside of valve housing 70. In one illustrative embodiment, temperaturesensor 54 includes a surface-mount type NTC thermistor soldered tocircuit board 40, although other suitable temperature sensors may beused. A heat transfer device extends from temperature sensor 54 toinside an interior region or waterway 130 (FIG. 5 ) of valve housing 70.Heat transfer device is operative to transfer heat from the fluid withininterior region 130 of valve housing 70 to temperature sensor 54, asdescribed herein.

Illustratively, processor 42 is operative to control faucet 10 based onthe water temperature measured with temperature sensor 54. In oneillustrative embodiment, processor 42 is operative to selectivelycontrol light devices 59 (FIG. 2 ) to illuminate different coloreddevices 59 to indicate the water temperature to the user. For example,blue indicates cold water, red indicates hot water, and shades betweenred and blue indicate temperatures between hot and cold. Alternatively,processor 42 illustratively displays the water temperature numericallyon a digital or analog display (e.g., an LCD display of indicator 29).In one illustrative embodiment, valve controller 24 is programmed toshut off water flow, i.e., close solenoid valve 22, automatically uponthe detected water temperature exceeding a threshold temperature. Anexemplary threshold temperature is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit,although other suitable thresholds may be set. In one embodiment,controller 42 uses the temperature information from sensor 54 to controlan electrically operable mixing valve (e.g., valve 20) in series withsolenoid valve 22. The mixing valve is controlled to mix waterproportionally from hot and cold sources 16 and 18 to achieve a desiredtemperature. The desired temperature may be selectable by the user ormay be predetermined and programmed in memory of processor 42. As such,closed loop temperature control of the water through faucet 10 may beprovided with temperature sensor 54. Other suitable controls may beimplemented based on water temperature.

With reference to FIGS. 6-8 , the illustrative wireless control module200 includes a main body or waterway tube 202 including a tube 204defining a waterway or fluid passageway 206 extending between an inlet208 and an outlet 210. The main body 202 may be formed from a polymer,such as a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. A housing orcover 212 is coupled to the main body 202. More particularly, an endwall 214 of the main body 202 is coupled to an open end 216 of thehousing 212. The housing 212 may be formed from a polymer, such as anacetal copolymer. An inlet portion 218 of the tube 204 extends in afirst direction from the end wall 214, and an outlet portion 220 of thetube 204 extends in a second direction, opposite the first direction,from the end wall 214. A chamber 222 is defined within the housing 212and receives a wireless controller 224. The outlet portion 220 of thetube 204 extends through the chamber 222 and out of the housing 212 viaan opening 226 in an end wall 228.

The inlet 208 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 28 d of the solenoidvalve assembly 22, and the outlet 210 is fluidly coupled to water outlet19 of spout 12. More particularly, the inlet portion 218 of the tube 204receives the outlet tube 28 d of the solenoid valve assembly 22. Theswing clip 71 b illustratively secures the outlet tube 28 d of thesolenoid valve assembly 22 to the tube 204 of the wireless controlmodule 200. More particularly, a first end 230 of the swing clip 71 b ispivotably coupled to pins 232 on the inlet portion 218 of the tube 204.A second end 234 of the swing clip 71 b includes an arcuate retainer 236configured to engage an annular recess 238 on the outlet tube 28 d. Theoutlet portion 220 of the tube 204 is illustratively received within anend of fluid conduit 28 e coupled to the spout tube 12. O-rings 31 maybe positioned intermediate the tube 204 and the fluid conduit 28 e toprovide fluid sealing therebetween.

The wireless controller 224 illustratively includes a printed circuitboard 240 received within the chamber 222 of the housing 212. Theprinted circuit board 240 illustratively supports a conventionalmicroprocessor 242. An auxiliary port 244 may also be supported by theprinted circuit board 240 and is in electrical communication with thewireless controller 224. The auxiliary port 244 is accessible through anopening 246 in a side wall 248 of the housing 212.

A wireless communication device, such as a wireless transceiver 250, isillustratively supported by the printed circuit board 240 and is inelectrical communication with the wireless controller 224. The wirelesstransceiver 250 is configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g., receiveand/or transmit wireless signals, either directly or indirectly) with aremote device 252. Such wireless communications may be via knowntechnologies, such as wireless communications in the 2.4 GHz frequencyband including, for example Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth. The wirelesstransceiver 250 illustratively comprises a wireless radio and antenna,such as a Wi-Fi module or chip, a ZigBee module, or a Bluetooth module.In one illustrative embodiment, the wireless transceiver 250 comprises aWi-Fi chip configured to be in communication with a Wi-Fi network 254.As detailed herein, the wireless communication device illustrativelycomprises transceiver 250 for both receiving and transmitting wirelesssignals. In other words, transceiver 250 is understood to include both areceiver and a transmitter. As such, a receiver may be defined by atransceiver and, more particularly, by transceiver 250 embedded with theprinted circuit board 240. Use of the term receiver is not limited to adevice that only receives signals, and may include a device that alsotransmits signals (e.g., a transceiver).

The remote device 252 may comprise a voice recognition and conversiondevice in wireless communication with the transceiver 250.Alternatively, the remote device 252 may comprise a smart phone, atablet, a computer and/or a dedicated remote user interface (i.e.,remote control). As further detailed herein, the remote device 252 maycommunicate over the Internet through the cloud to the wireless controlmodule 200. In yet other illustrative embodiments, the remote device 252may include both a voice recognition and conversion device, and at leastone of a smart phone, a tablet, a computer and/or remote control.

A flow sensor 256 is illustratively supported by the tube 204 of themain body 202 to detect water flow within the fluid passageway 206, andis in electrical communication with the wireless controller 224 and/orthe valve controller 24. More particularly, the flow sensor 256illustratively comprises a flow turbine assembly 257 including a flowturbine 258 supported for rotation by a flow turbine cage 260. The flowturbine cage 260 may be received within the tube 204 such that waterflow through the fluid passageway 206 rotates the flow turbine 258. Theflow turbine 256 may be a magnetic flow turbine including a magnetsupported by rotor 262 and a sensor or detector 263 supported on theprinted circuit board 240, the detector 263 being configured to detectrotation of the rotor 262. The number of rotations detected by thesensor is correlated to flow rate and/or flow volume by the wirelesscontroller 224 and/or the valve controller 24. The valve controller 24may control the electrically operable valve 22 to dispense apredetermined amount of water based upon the input from the flow sensor256. Additionally, the flow sensor 256 may be used to monitor water useand provide such information to the user. More particularly, water usageinformation from the flow sensor 256 may be provided to the controller224, and transmitted from the embedded transceiver 250 to the processor42 for displaying to the user information on water consumption of thefaucet 10 over time, for example on a display screen (not shown).

In certain illustrative embodiments, a temperature sensor 264 may besupported by the tube 204 of the main body 202 to detect the temperatureof water flowing through the fluid passageway 206, and is in electricalcommunication with the wireless controller 224 and/or the valvecontroller 24. Temperature sensor 264 may supplement or replacetemperature sensor 54 of the valve assembly 20. As further detailedherein, the temperature sensor 54 may be used with the wirelesscontroller 224 and/or the valve controller 24 to provide a temperatureindication to the user, provide a high temperature limit and/or providea warm-up feature.

Wireless controller 224 illustratively provides a means for reading flowsensor 256, temperature sensor 264 and wireless communication device250, such as Wi-Fi chip, ZigBee module, or Bluetooth module forreceiving and/or transmitting data. Electronic cable 55 communicatescommands (e.g., signals) between the wireless control module 200 and theelectronic control valve 20 via the valve controller 24. Illustratively,the electronic cable 55 is a serial cable including opposing first andsecond end connectors 57 a and 57 b. The first connector 57 a is coupledto the port 56 of the valve controller 24, while the second connector 57b is coupled to the port 244 of the wireless control module 200.

The modular waterway design detailed herein permits the wireless controlmodule 200 to be inserted between the outlet of the electronic controlvalve 20 and the waterway extending through faucet spout 12.

A serial communication protocol illustratively exists between thewireless controller 224 of the wireless control module 200 and theprocessor 42 of the valve controller 24. Serial communication betweenthe wireless controller 224 and the processor 42 is configured to occurbi-directionally. In addition to transmit and receive data signals, aninterrupt signal may be used to indicate to the recipient that a datatransmission is about to begin. The interrupt signal allows both thewireless control module 200 and the processor 42 of the valve controller24 to go into low-power sleep modes until one is woken-up, or activated,by the other using the interrupt signal. This scheme or protocol allowsfor both devices 200, 42 to operate for long periods of time on batterypower; as they are not always fully powered-up waiting or searching fordata. The serial protocol to send data may be uniquely defined andregister based. For example, to set the water state an auxiliary deviceor smart spout can write the value of ‘1’ to register 0x02 to turn on(e.g., open) the valve 22. As another example, an auxiliary device 30can request the current water temperature by requesting the valuecurrently stored in register 0x05 in the valve controller 24.Illustratively, all serial message packets use a start byte, a stopbyte, a message length byte and two byte cyclic redundancy check (CRC)to ensure data integrity.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of illustrative internetcommunication with the wireless control module 200. More particularly,the voice recognition and conversion device 252 and the wireless controlmodule 200 may be part of a home network 270 that communicateswirelessly with software stored within the internet 272 (e.g., internetcloud) via a web interface 274. The web interface 274 may be ofconventional design, such as a wireless router or hub, for facilitatingcommunication between the internet cloud 272 and the home network 270. Aweb portal 276 illustratively provides communication between a voicerecognition service 278 and a command parsing routine 280, and aninternet of things (IoT) hub 282. Additionally, a dedicated remote useinterface, such as a smart phone or tablet 284, may be in communicationwith the web portal 276. In another illustrative embodiment, the smartphone or tablet 284 can communicate directly with the wireless controlmodule 200, for example, via a Soft AP Wi-Fi configuration.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of illustrative internetprotocols for use with the wireless control module 200. For example,voice recognition and conversion device 252 a may comprise, for example,a voice or virtual assistant such as Alexa for use on devices (e.g.,Echo) available from Amazon of Seattle, Wash. USA. In such anillustrative embodiment, the device 252 a is in communication with Alexavoice recognition service 278 a and Alexa voice adapter 280 a (e.g., AWSLambda computing platform). In another illustrative embodiment, voicerecognition and conversion device 252 b may comprise, for example, avoice or virtual assistant such as Google Assistant available fromGoogle of Mountain View, Calif. USA. In such an illustrative embodiment,the device 252 b is in communication with Google voice recognitionservice 278 b and Google voice adapter 280 b (e.g., Google cloudfunction).

With further reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 , setup of the internet ofthings (IoT) hub 282 for communication with the controller 224 of thewireless control module 200 is illustratively provided by using only awebpage from a remote computing device, such as smart phone or tablet284. More particularly, communications between the wireless controlmodule 200 and the voice recognition and conversion device 252 areillustratively provided over the Wi-Fi network 270 and the internet 272using standard internet protocols. A setup mechanism is provided forconnecting the device 200 to the internet 272 without requiring the userto download a stand-alone application from a dedicated application store(e.g., the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).

Illustrative steps to setup device (e.g., wireless control module 200)are detailed below. The advantage of this setup system is that the usercan use the web browser in his or her smart phone or tablet 284 to setupthe device 200 without having to download a stand-alone ‘app’ for thisone-time setup. In addition to the streamlined setup of the device 200,future configuration and control of the device 200 can occur thru a webportal, again employing the use of a built-in web browser in the user'ssmart phone or tablet 284.

An illustrative Wi-Fi web setup procedure includes the following steps:

-   -   1. The device 200 will host its own webserver and software        access point (soft AP).    -   2. The user will connect to this soft AP by selecting this open        Wi-Fi network on his or her smart phone or tablet 284.    -   3. The user will open his or her web browser and type in the IP        address or url to the locally hosted webpage.    -   4. In the soft AP webpage, the user will be asked to select his        or her home Wi-Fi SSID and enter his or her passkey.    -   5. At this point, the soft AP will shut down and the device will        attempt to connect to the home Wi-Fi network 270 using the        credentials the user entered. While this is happening, the        webpage on the user's smart phone or tablet 284 will use        asynchronous JavaScript (AJAX) to delay ˜20 seconds (allowing        the user's smart phone or tablet 284 to revert back to a stable        internet connection on Wi-Fi or cellular) and then redirect to a        globally resolvable web portal.    -   6. Once at the public web portal, the user will create an        account to link his or her physical device (e.g. Wi-Fi voice        faucet 10) to his or her account in the cloud.

Set-up finished. The user can now go back to the public web portal atany time to change settings for their device or remotely control theirdevice (e.g., electronic faucet 10).

FIG. 11 is a state diagram showing an illustrative operation of theelectronic faucet 10 of the present disclosure. Blocks 302, 304, 306 and308 represent different operating states or modes of the illustrativeelectronic faucet 10. More particularly, block 302 represents a firststate or mode of operation, where both the manual valve 20 and theelectrically operable valve 22 are closed such that no water flowsthrough the outlet 19 of the spout 12. Block 304 represents a secondstate or mode of operation, where the manual valve 20 is closed and theelectrically operable valve 22 is open. No water flows through theoutlet 19 of the spout 12 in the second mode of operation. Block 306represents a third state or mode of operation, where both the manualvalve 20 and the electrically operable valve 22 are open such that waterflows through the outlet 19 of the spout 12. Block 308 represents afourth state or mode of operation, where the manual valve 20 is open andthe electrically operable valve 22 is closed. No water flows through theoutlet 19 of the spout 12 in the fourth mode of operation.

In FIG. 11 , various illustrative commands for controlling operation ofthe electrically operable valve 22 are represented by lines associatedwith various combinations of numbers 1 through 12. As further detailedherein, the valve controller 24 may receive commands from differentinputs, such as capacitive sensor(s) 26 and/or voice recognition andconversion device 252. The valve controller 24 may also distinguishbetween a “tap” and a “grab” of different components of the electronicfaucet 10 as a result of signals received from capacitive sensor(s) 26.More particularly, the valve controller 24 may make such a distinctionbased on the amount of time between positive and negative slopes of thecapacitive signal. A longer duration indicates a “grab”, while a shorterduration indicates a “tap”. Illustratively, a grab is a contact or touchlasting at least 300 milliseconds, while a tap is a contact or touchlasting no more than 300 milliseconds. Additional illustrative detailson distinguishing between touching of a spout 12 and/or a handle 14 todefine a tap and a grab, identifying different patterns of touching, andimplementing different functions as a result thereof, are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 8,776,817 to Sawaski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,613,419 toRodenbeck et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,626 to Sawaski et al., thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

With further reference to the state diagram of FIG. 11 , command 1 is nonew input. Command 2 is spout tap, where the user touches the spout 12of the faucet 10 for a predetermined time defining a tap. Command 3 is ahub tap, where the user touches the hub 15 of the faucet 10 for apredetermined time defining a tap. Command 4 is a spout grab, where theuser touches the spout 12 for a predetermined time defining a grab.Command 5 is a hub grab, where the user touches the hub 15 for apredetermined time defining a touch. Command 6 is a voice ON command,where the user voices an audible “on” to the voice recognition andconversion device 252. Command 7 is a voice OFF command, where the uservoices an audible “off” to the voice recognition and conversion device252. Command 8 is a voice DISPENSE command, where the user voices anaudible “dispense” to the voice recognition and conversion device 252.Command 9 is a voice WARM-UP command, where the user voices an audible“warm up” to the voice recognition and conversion device 252. Command 10is a voice dispense complete command, which is initiated after the voiceDISPENSE command (command 8), where the controller 24 moves theelectrically operable valve 22 to a closed position following thedispensing of a predetermined amount of water as measured by the flowsensor 256. Command 11 is a warm-up complete command, which is initiatedafter the voice WARM-UP command (command 9), where the controller 24moves the electrically operable valve 22 to a closed position after thewater temperature as measured by the temperature sensor 264 exceeds apredetermined value. Command 12 is a time out command, where thecontroller 24 moves the electrically operable valve 22 to a closedposition after the electrically operable valve 22 has been opened for apredetermined time.

With further reference to FIG. 11 , illustrative manual inputs to thehandle 14 of the manual valve 20 are represented by lines associatedwith letters A and B. Manual input A is placing the handle 14 of themanual valve 20 in an OFF position, such that no water flows through themanual valve 20. Manual input B is placing the handle 14 of the manualvalve 20 in an ON position, such that water flows through the manualvalve 20.

Commands for controlling operation of the electrically operable valve 22may be initiated through a variety of inputs associated with theelectronic faucet 10. Such inputs may include one or more of voicerecognition, capacitive sensing, infrared (IR) sensing, proximitysensing, etc. Once a command is issued, the execution of the commandillustratively occurs by using the controller 24 to keep track ofelapsed time and reading of the sensors (e.g., flow sensor 52, 256,temperature sensor 54, 264, etc.) to control water flow. For capacitivesensing, the user may perform a touch sequence on a component of theelectronic faucet 10 (e.g., a double tap on the spout 12), orcombination touches on different components of the electronic faucet 10(e.g., grab the spout 12 and move the manual handle 14 to hot, hold thespout 12 and double tap the manual handle 14, etc.).

In the operation illustrated in the state diagram of FIG. 11 , theelectronic faucet 10 may be controlled by commands input from bothcapacitive sensor(s) 26 and voice recognition supplied to the wirelesscontrol module 200. Beginning at state 302, commands 2 (spout tap), 3(hub tap), 5 (hub grab), 6 (voice ON), 8 (voice DISPENSE), and 9 (voiceWARM-UP), will cause the controller 24 to open the electrically operablevalve 22 while the manual valve 20 remains closed. As such, theelectronic faucet 10 is in state 304. The electronic faucet 10 remainsin state 302 in response to commands 1 (no new input), 4 (spout grab),and 7 (voice OFF).

The electronic faucet 10 remains in state 304 in response to commands 1(no new input), 4 (spout grab), 5 (hub grab), 6 (voice ON), 8 (voiceDISPENSE), and 9 (voice WARM-UP). Commands 2 (spout tap), 3 (hub tap), 7(voice OFF), 10 (voice DISPENSE), 11 (voice warm-up complete) and 12(time out) return the electronic faucet 10 to state 302. From state 302,moving the manual handle 14 to the ON position (manual input B) causesthe electronic faucet 10 to move to state 308.

From state 304, moving the manual handle 14 to the ON position (manualinput B) causes the electronic faucet 10 to move to state 306. By movingthe manual handle 14 back to the OFF position (manual input A), theelectronic faucet 10 returns to state 304. At state 306, commands 2(spout tap), 3 (hub tap), 7 (voice OFF), 10 (voice dispense complete),11 (voice warm-up complete), and 12 (time out), will cause thecontroller 24 to close the electrically operable valve 22 while themanual valve 20 remains open. As such, the electronic faucet 10 is instate 308. The electronic faucet 10 remains in state 306 by commands 1(no new input), 4 (spout grab), 5 (hub grab), 6 (voice ON), 8 (voiceDISPENSE), and 9 (voice WARM-UP). Commands 2 (spout tap), 3 (hub tap), 5(hub grab), 6 (voice ON), 8 (voice DISPENSE), and 9 (voice WARM-UP),return the electronic faucet 10 from state 308 to state 306.

The electronic faucet 10 remains in state 308 by commands 1 (no newinput), 4 (spout grab), and 7 (voice OFF). From state 308, moving themanual handle 14 to the OFF position (manual input A) causes theelectronic faucet 10 to move to state 302. By moving the manual handle14 back to the ON position (manual input B) at state 302, the electronicfaucet 10 returns to state 308.

It should be appreciated that a variety of different commands may beprogrammed for operation by the controller 24 (e.g., stored in a memoryor library). For example, in response to a “wash hands” command, thecontroller 24 may (1) open the electrically operable valve 22 for ashort, preset duration for the user to wet his hands, (2) close theelectrically operable valve 22 for a short, preset duration for the userto apply soap, and (3) again open the electrically operable valve 22 forthe user to rinse his hands. The controller 24 can again close the valve22 after a short, preset duration, or only after an additional commandinput from the user. In this operation, the water dispensed may be setat a predetermined warm temperature (e.g., as detected by temperaturesensor 54).

In response to a “brush teeth” command, the controller 24 may (1) openthe electrically operable valve 22 for a short, preset duration for theuser to wet his toothbrush, (2) close the electrically operable valve 22for a short, preset duration for the user to apply toothpaste to thetoothbrush, and (3) again open the electrically operable valve 22 forthe user to rinse his mouth. The controller 24 can again close the valve22 after a short, preset duration, or only after an additional commandinput from the user. In this operation, the water dispensed may be setat a predetermined cold temperature (e.g., as detected by temperaturesensor 54). While the brush teeth mode is similar to the wash handsmode, the programmed times of operation and water temperatures areillustratively different.

In another illustrative example, a “fill object” command may cause thecontroller 24 to open the electrically operable valve 22 for a presetduration, or for a preset volume as measured by the flow sensor 256, fordispensing a set amount of water sufficient to fill a container, andthen close the electrically operable valve 22. Different commands may beused to dispense different set amounts of water for filling differentcontainers. Illustrative commands may include, for example, “fill cup”,“fill pitcher”, “fill gallon”, etc.

A “warm up” command may cause the controller 24 to open the electricallyoperably valve 22 until the temperature of water dispensed (e.g., asdetected by temperature sensor 54) meets or exceeds a predeterminedvalue.

The various commands may be initiated through a variety of differentinputs on the faucet 10 including, for example, voice input, capacitivesensors, infrared sensors, etc. For capacitive sensors 26, for example,the user may perform a touch sequence (e.g., double tap) or combinationtouch (e.g., hold the spout 12 and turn the handle 14 to warm, hold thespout 12, and double tap the handle 14). Once a command is issued, theexecution of the command may occur using microprocessor 42 to keep trackof elapsed time and reading of sensors (e.g., flow, temperature, etc.)to control water flow.

When the electronic faucet 10 is being controlled by voice recognition,then it is advantageous to reduce background noise supplied to the voicerecognition and conversion device 252. As such, a laminar flow streamstraightener may be provided in the flow path between the valve 22 andthe outlet of the spout 12. In one illustrative embodiment, the laminarflow stream straightener may be an aerator coupled to the outlet 19 ofthe spout 12. More particularly, the aerated water may be forced throughthe holes or apertures in a dispersal disc and then forced through atleast one screen which creates a laminar stream of aerated water as itexits from aerator. It may be appreciated that other types of streamstraighteners may be used at a variety of locations in the flow path.

Data may be transmitted bi-directionally between the wireless controlmodule 200 and the voice recognition and conversion device 252. Moreparticularly, the device 200 and/or the voice recognition and conversiondevice 252 illustratively includes a speaker to convey informationverbally to the user. For example, the device 200 and/or the voicerecognition and conversion device 252 may provide information on thebattery life of the unit, water temperature, warm-up feature, flowusage, water quality, water pressure, volume of water dispensed, desiredtemperatures set, custom object naming for volume that could bedispensed (e.g., cup, pitcher, etc.), custom object naming for otherfunctions (temperature, quality, etc.), and set timer so that it wouldturn on/off at specified times.

While the above description illustrates the valve assembly and thewireless control module for use in connection with electronic faucet 10,such as a kitchen faucet, it should be appreciated that they may be usedin connection with other devices, such as a shower valve, a bathtubvalve, a toilet, etc.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in thefollowing claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electronic faucet comprising: a spout; afluid passageway supported by the spout; a valve assembly including anouter housing, a fluid conduit supported by the outer housing, anelectrically operable valve positioned within the outer housing tocontrol fluid flow through the fluid passageway; a valve controllerdisposed within the outer housing and operative to control theelectrically operable valve; a wireless control module in releasableelectrical communication with the valve controller, the wireless controlmodule including a housing, a body received within the housing anddefining a waterway in fluid communication with the fluid conduit of thevalve assembly, a receiver disposed within the housing and configured toreceive wireless signals from a remote transmitter, and wherein thewireless control module communicates with the valve controller tocontrol operation of the electrically operable valve in response to thewireless signals; and a releasable coupler for fluidly coupling togetherthe fluid conduit of the valve assembly and the body of the wirelesscontrol module.
 2. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein theelectrically operably valve comprises a solenoid valve including asolenoid coil and a moveable valve member operably coupled to themoveable valve member.
 3. The electronic faucet of claim 2, wherein thevalve controller includes a circuit board coupled to the valve assemblyand a processor mounted to the circuit board to control the solenoidvalve.
 4. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein the receivercomprises a Wi-Fi chip configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi network.5. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein the remote transmittercomprises a voice recognition and conversion device in wirelesscommunication with the receiver.
 6. The electronic faucet of claim 1,wherein the remote transmitter comprises at least one of a smart phone,a tablet or a dedicated remote user interface in wireless communicationwith the receiver.
 7. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein thewireless control module further includes a flow sensor received withinthe waterway.
 8. The electronic faucet of claim 7, wherein the valvecontroller controls the electronically operable valve to dispense apredetermined amount of water based on input from the flow sensor. 9.The electronic faucet of claim 7, wherein the valve controller monitorswater usage based on input from the flow sensor.
 10. The electronicfaucet of claim 7, wherein the flow sensor comprises a magnetic flowturbine.
 11. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein the wirelesscontrol module further includes a temperature sensor received within theflow passage and in communication with the wireless control module. 12.The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein the body of the wirelesscontrol module is releasably coupled between an outlet of the valveassembly and the spout.
 13. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein acable electrically connects the wireless control module with the valvecontroller.
 14. The electronic faucet of claim 1, wherein the receiveris a transceiver supported on a printed circuit board.
 15. A wirelesscontrol module and valve assembly configured to be coupled to anelectronic faucet wherein: the valve assembly comprises an electricallyoperable valve and a valve controller operably coupled to theelectrically operable valve; and the wireless control module comprises:a body defining a fluid passageway extending between an inlet and anoutlet, wherein the fluid passageway is fluidly couplable with theelectrically operable valve; a receiver configured to receive wirelesssignals from a remote transmitter; a wireless controller operablycoupled to the receiver; a cable coupled to the wireless controller andin releasable electrical communication with the valve controller tocontrol operation of the electrically operable valve; and a releasablecoupler for fluidly coupling the inlet of the fluid passageway to anoutlet of the electrically operable valve whereby the wireless controlmodule is releasably couplable to the valve assembly.
 16. The wirelesscontrol module and valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the receivercomprises a Wi-Fi chip configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi network.17. The wireless control module and valve assembly of claim 15, whereinthe remote transmitter comprises a voice recognition and conversiondevice in wireless communication with the receiver.
 18. The wirelesscontrol module and valve assembly of claim 15, wherein the remotetransmitter comprises at least one of a smart phone or a dedicatedremote user interface in wireless communication with the receiver. 19.The wireless control module and valve assembly of claim 15, furtherincluding a flow sensor received within the fluid passageway.
 20. Thewireless control module and valve assembly of claim 19, wherein thevalve controller controls the electrically operable valve to dispense apredetermined amount of water based on input from the flow sensor. 21.The wireless control module and valve assembly of claim 19, wherein thevalve controller monitors water usage based on input from the flowsensor.
 22. The wireless control module and valve assembly of claim 19,wherein the flow sensor comprises a magnetic flow turbine.
 23. Thewireless control module and valve assembly of claim 15, furtherincluding a temperature sensor received within the fluid passageway andin communication with the wireless controller.
 24. An electronic faucetcomprising: a spout; a fluid passageway supported by the spout; a valveassembly including an outer housing, a fluid conduit supported by theouter housing, an electrically operable valve positioned within theouter housing to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway; avalve controller disposed within the outer housing and operative tocontrol the electrically operable valve; a wireless control module incommunication with the valve controller, the wireless control moduleincluding: a housing; a body received within the housing and defining afluid passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet a receiverconfigured to receive wireless signals from a remote transmitter; a flowsensor operably coupled to the body for sensing the flow rate of fluidpassing through the fluid passageway; a temperature sensor operablycoupled to the body for sensing the temperature of fluid passing throughthe fluid passageway; wherein the wireless control module communicateswith the valve controller to control operation of the electricallyoperable valve in response to the wireless signals; and a library ofdifferent commands, wherein different commands are received by thewireless control module and cause the valve controller to control fluidparameters which include at least one of (i) flow rate and temperatureof fluid dispensed from the spout, or (ii) volume of fluid dispensedfrom the spout.
 25. The electronic faucet of claim 24, wherein thecommands include at least one of a warm up command, a wash handscommand, a fill object command, and a brush teeth command.
 26. Theelectronic faucet of claim 25, wherein the warm up command causes thevalve controller to activate fluid flow until fluid temperature exceedsa predetermined value.
 27. The electronic faucet of claim 25, whereinthe wash hands command causes the valve controller to open theelectrically operable valve to activate fluid flow for a first timeduration, to close the electrically operable valve to pause fluid flowfor a second time duration, and then to open the electrically operablevalve to again activate fluid flow.
 28. The electronic faucet of claim24, wherein the commands are audible inputs to a voice recognition andconversion device.
 29. The electronic faucet of claim 24, furthercomprising a releasable coupler for fluidly coupling together the fluidconduit of the valve assembly and the body of the wireless controlmodule.
 30. The electronic faucet of claim 24, wherein the remotetransmitter comprises a voice recognition and conversion device inwireless communication with the receiver.
 31. The electronic faucet ofclaim 24, wherein the remote transmitter comprises at least one of asmart phone, a tablet or a dedicated remote user interface in wirelesscommunication with the receiver.
 32. The electronic faucet of claim 27,wherein the wash hands command further causes the valve controller toclose the electrically operable valve to stop fluid flow after a thirdtime duration.
 33. The electronic faucet of claim 24, furthercomprising: a capacitive sensor operably coupled to the spout and to thevalve controller; a voice recognition and conversion device operablycoupled to the valve controller; and wherein the commands include inputsto both the capacitive sensor and to the voice recognition andconversion device.
 34. An electronic faucet comprising: a spout; a fluidpassageway supported by the spout; a valve assembly including an outerhousing, a fluid conduit supported by the outer housing, an electricallyoperable valve positioned to control fluid flow through the fluidpassageway; a valve controller operative to control the electricallyoperable valve in response to a plurality of commands including a washhands command; and wherein the wash hands command causes the valvecontroller to open the electrically operable valve to activate fluidflow for a first preset duration to allow a user to wet his hands, toclose the electrically operable valve to pause fluid flow for a secondpreset duration to allow the user to apply soap, and then to open theelectrically operable valve to again activate fluid flow for a thirdpreset duration to allow the user to rinse his hands; a wireless controlmodule in releasable electrical communication with the valve controller,the wireless control module including a housing, a body received withinthe housing and defining a waterway in fluid communication with thefluid conduit of the valve assembly, a receiver disposed within thehousing and configured to receive wireless signals from a remotetransmitter, and wherein the wireless control module communicates withthe valve controller to control operation of the electrically operablevalve in response to the wireless signals; and a releasable coupler forfluidly coupling together the fluid conduit of the valve assembly andthe body of the wireless control module.
 35. The electronic faucet ofclaim 34, wherein the wash hands command further causes the valvecontroller to close the electrically operable valve to stop fluid flowafter the third preset duration.
 36. The electronic faucet of claim 34,wherein the plurality of commands are stored in a library and areconfigured to cause the valve controller to control at least one of flowrate and temperature of fluid dispensed from the spout.
 37. Theelectronic faucet of claim 36, wherein the plurality of commands furtherinclude at least one of a warm up command, a fill object command, and abrush teeth command.
 38. The electronic faucet of claim 37, wherein thewarm up command causes the valve controller to activate fluid flow untilfluid temperature exceeds a predetermined value.
 39. The electronicfaucet of claim 34, wherein the wash hands command is an audible inputto a voice recognition and conversion device.
 40. The electronic faucetof claim 34, wherein the remote transmitter comprises a voicerecognition and conversion device in wireless communication with thereceiver.
 41. The electronic faucet of claim 34, wherein the remotetransmitter comprises at least one of a smart phone, a tablet or adedicated remote user interface in wireless communication with thereceiver.
 42. The electronic faucet of claim 34, further comprising: acapacitive sensor operably coupled to the spout and to the valvecontroller; a voice recognition and conversion device operably coupledto the valve controller; and wherein the plurality of commands includeinputs to both the capacitive sensor and to the voice recognition andconversion device.